Henry TrippThe bank broke and I lost my savings.I was sick of the tiresome game in Spoon RiverAnd I made up my mind to run awayAnd leave my place in life and my family;But just as the midnight train pulled in,Quick off the steps jumped Cully GreenAnd Martin Vise, and began to fightTo settle their ancient rivalry,Striking each other with fists that soundedLike the blows of knotted clubs.Now it seemed to me that Cully was winning,When his bloody face broke into a grinOf sickly cowardice, leaning on MartinAnd whining out “We’re good friends, Mart,You know that I’m your friend.”But a terrible punch from Martin knocked himAround and around and into a heap.And then they arrested me as a witness,And I lost my train and staid in Spoon RiverTo wage my battle of life to the end.Oh, Cully Green, you were my savior—You, so ashamed and drooped for years,Loitering listless about the streets,And tying rags round your festering soul,Who failed to fight it out.
The bank broke and I lost my savings.I was sick of the tiresome game in Spoon RiverAnd I made up my mind to run awayAnd leave my place in life and my family;But just as the midnight train pulled in,Quick off the steps jumped Cully GreenAnd Martin Vise, and began to fightTo settle their ancient rivalry,Striking each other with fists that soundedLike the blows of knotted clubs.Now it seemed to me that Cully was winning,When his bloody face broke into a grinOf sickly cowardice, leaning on MartinAnd whining out “We’re good friends, Mart,You know that I’m your friend.”But a terrible punch from Martin knocked himAround and around and into a heap.And then they arrested me as a witness,And I lost my train and staid in Spoon RiverTo wage my battle of life to the end.Oh, Cully Green, you were my savior—You, so ashamed and drooped for years,Loitering listless about the streets,And tying rags round your festering soul,Who failed to fight it out.